Orange County ornament is on White House Christmas tree

Washington, D.C. — An Orange County ornament has been placed on the White House Christmas tree. When Orange County Tourism was invited by the decorating firm that trims the First Family’s home in Washington, D.C. to submit a travel-themed ornament for a White House Christmas tree, the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor in New Windsor was selected because the site represents American veterans throughout the nation’s history. Museum director Anita Pidala provided the ornament, a glass ball embossed with a large image of the Purple Heart Award, which now hangs on the West Wing lobby’s holiday tree. The same ornament can be purchased in the gift shop at the museum. “It may be an Orange County museum, but our ornament represents veterans from all over the United States,” remarked Susan Hawvermale, director of tourism. “We are delighted to be part of the White House Christmas display.”